Learn about one of the tests we do: Intestinal lipid malabsorption

Intestinal lipid malabsorption (ILM) is a disorder sometimes found in Australian Kelpies (bench Kelpies) and Koolies. Affected puppies are usually called mini pups. They are smaller than their unaffected litter mates, have dull and rough coats, big bellies, domed heads and round eyes.

For a period during puppyhood, dogs with ILM cannot absorb long-chain fatty acids from their food like normal dogs. The severity of the consequences varies between breeds, and varies between individuals.

ILM requires both parents to pass on a genomic deletion that encompasses the ACSL5 gene. ILM affects both males and females equally. Carriers (dogs with an ILM n genotype) won't have ILM but can pass the genomic deletion on to their offspring.

Gene or region and technical reference

Gene: ACSL5 (causative). Reference: O'Brien et al. (2020)

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